Michael Jackson fans line up at Disneyland for return of 'Captain EO'
Fans decked out in futuristic garb formed a line early
Tuesday to see the return of the Michael Jackson film "Captain EO" to Disneyland
after a 13-year hiatus.
At 10 a.m., the 17-minute, science fiction-themed musical returns to the Tomorrowland Theater for limited engagement. It replaces "Honey I Shrunk the Audience," which closed Jan. 3.
"Captain EO" debuted at the height of Jackson’s fame in 1986, featuring director Francis Ford Coppola and executive producer George Lucas. It cost a reported $30 million to make and ran as an attraction at the theme park until 1997.
Fans began lobbying for the return of the 3-D film soon after Jackson’s death last year, saying it would honor the King of Pop.
The Times' Brady McDonald, writing at the Daily Travel & Deal blog, says the return of Captain EO “presents a perplexing challenge to family-centric Disney: How to market a movie relic starring a controversial character without appearing to capitalize on his demise.”
The film stars Jackson as a captain leading a crew of aliens, robots and "fuzzball" on a spaceship on a mission to deliver a gift to a wicked alien witch played by Anjelica Huston.
A Disney spokeswoman told KTLA that there was no timeline for how long the show would run, but said it would stay for as long as it remained popular.
--Tony Barboza
Photo: "Captain EO" starring Michael Jackson thrilled Disneyland visitors from 1986 to 1997. The 3-D production reopens Tuesday at the theme park. Credit: Disneyland Resort
EDITOR'S PICKS:
AWESOME!!!
Posted by: Rik | February 23, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Ya obviously, it will stay till it is not popular.
That's why we don't have an Elvis Disney show lol.. or Elvis on MTV lol...
MJ sold more albums than Elvis or Lennon after their deaths. Clearly, his fans are a sleeping giant.
Posted by: Sam | February 23, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Heck yea!
the best part of D-land for years!
then they tooks it away...away from me! my preciousssssss!
Posted by: XMan | February 23, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Poor Captain EO, all he wants is to use love & music to bring peace to the world. And he gets attacked.
Just like in real life.
Posted by: Sal | February 23, 2010 at 10:22 AM
You're right Sal. Was Captain EO a pedophile, too?
Posted by: BoKo | February 23, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Does Captain EO make stops at school yards and Chuck E Cheese's on his mission?
Posted by: jonny | February 23, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Expect demonstrations from the Sexually Abused Children advocates...Even though he was found not guilty for child molestation...
Posted by: TheBigPicture | February 23, 2010 at 11:45 AM
YAY !!!!!
I Wanna Go See It !
I've Watched It On My Computer But In 3D ?!
Can't Wait !
Love You Forever MJ <33333
Posted by: Michelle | February 23, 2010 at 11:58 AM
It was yanked during his first child molestation trial. I guess the dead are no longer child molesters.
Posted by: Fed Up | February 23, 2010 at 12:06 PM
They have special shows for boys only under 12 years old I heard, no parents allowed...
Posted by: Dee | February 23, 2010 at 12:07 PM
WE ARE HERE TO CHANGE THE WORLD, GONNA CHANGE THE WORLD!!!
Posted by: Jas Basi | February 23, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I remember this as one of the coolest and scariest 3d movies of my childhood, after watching it on youtube recently I wonder what the hell was wrong with me. "hooter" is an amuzing character name though.
Posted by: dave | February 23, 2010 at 12:35 PM
They should have never took it out!! I wonder if it will return to Disney World/Epcot in Florida?
Posted by: Dolli | February 23, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Best 3D Ever!!!!!! Avatar sucks compared to this.....
Posted by: Grod | February 23, 2010 at 12:55 PM
I can't wait to go to Disneyland to see this! I missed seeing it the last time around, this is way better than "Honey I Shrunk the Kids"
Posted by: sc341 | February 23, 2010 at 01:29 PM
I saw Capt. EO at Disney World when it first came out in the 80s. It was an awesome experience. 3D, excellent sound quality and even special and visual effects as well in the theater. When the aircraft slams into a planet, the seats moved and steam shot from under the screen. The little furball floats right in front of your face. Well worth the 45 min wait in line.
Posted by: o2miller | February 23, 2010 at 01:35 PM
IF YOU GUYS PUT A COMMENT DONT MAKE IT NEGATIVE,I OERSONALLY LOVE CAPTAIN!IM NOT TRYING TO START A ARGUMENT JUST DONT BRING CRAP HERE
Posted by: EXTREME MJ FAN | March 06, 2010 at 10:13 AM
I'm reserving comment on Michael Jackson's personal problems but his artistry and creativity in Captain EO can't be denied. I'm not a Jackson fan but I look forward to seeing the show again the next time I go to Dizzyland. As another said, "the suit's are cashing in on his death" but at least his fans actually benefit from their decision.
Posted by: bristowest1 | March 07, 2010 at 03:54 PM
We love captain EO
Just like MJ in real life
we love you Michael and we miss you
Posted by: Dan | March 11, 2010 at 11:07 PM